UPDATE ON NON-LEAGUE, WOMEN'S & GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL SEASONS 26/03/2020
National League System
The NLS and the women’s football pyramid were able to build a consensus amongst their leagues and, where possible, aimed to create a consistent approach across all leagues, whilst taking into account the unique characteristics of each individual league.
As a result, The FA and NLS steps three to six have reached a consensus that their 2019-20 season will now be brought to an end, and all results will be expunged. This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between NLS steps three to six, and no promotion to NLS step two.
These decisions will also apply to the leagues and clubs who play at NLS step seven.
We will continue to assist and support the National League (NLS steps one and two) to determine the outcome of its 2019-20 season as quickly as possible. The planned implementation of the restructure of the NLS will also now be deferred until the start of the 2021-22 season.
Furthermore, we can now confirm that we have decided that all grassroots football is concluded for the 2019-20 season. This will allow the game to move forward and to commence planning for next season. Our County Football Associations (CFAs) will be supporting grassroots leagues over the coming days to determine how they should close out their current competitions.
16/03/2020
Following on from The FA's announcement today, Hampshire FA are fully supporting the FA’s announcement that ALL grassroots football should be postponed for the foreseeable future. Please note that this includes ALL training and playing friendly matches. This includes the Bournemouth Hayward Football League games and the M. A. Hart Cup Finals.
Having consulted with the County FA it is the decision of the Bournemouth Hayward Football League that it is Football as usual for the time being. If any Club has any concerns over playing their fixtures, will the Club Secretary please phone the office immediatley. 01202 490000. Please do take all precautions suggested below: 13/03/2020
As you are aware, the situation with regards to Coronavirus (COVID-19) is being constantly reviewed and all grassroots clubs are advised to refer to updated information provided by the UK government via https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
Hampshire FA are closely monitoring the current situation and will continue to follow the advice and guidance from The FA, Public Health England and the World Health Organisation. We suggest that clubs share the following information with members.
At the current time grassroots football matches, like other forms of public gatherings, have not been banned. However, all clubs are advised to take basic precautions to protect players, officials and spectators and to delay the development of the disease. These general precautions include:
- Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, or use alcohol sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol if handwashing facilities are not available. This is particularly important after taking public transport.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough and sneeze. Put used tissues in the bin immediately and wash your hands.
- If any players, officials or spectators show any symptoms (however mild) of COVID-19 – these include a high temperature or a new, continuous cough – they should self-isolate by staying at home for 7 days. No adult or child should be attending football matches or training sessions if they suspect that they have relevant symptoms. If a child is not attending school due to symptoms, they should not be attending football sessions.
- Avoid shaking hands – discuss and agree alternatives with opposition coaches, match and league officials.
High Risk Groups – In older adults, those with weakened immune systems and those with cancer, diabetes and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the risk of having severe symptoms is much higher. It would, therefore, be sensible for anyone in an at-risk group to avoid crowds.
All clubs are advised to liaise with their league/competition as a first point of contact with regards to fixtures. Any decision to continue playing or to postpone their respective competitions is a matter for each league at the present time.